THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
April 18th, 2012
Volume VI, Edition LXV
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
April 18th, 2012
Volume VI, Edition LXV
~~~~~~~~~~
Correction: In yesterday's Newsletter, the Managing Editor incorrectly inserted the wrong state for Lee USA Speedway in S.D. Grady's column. The track is located in New Hampshire, not western Massachusetts. We apologize for the error and any confusion it may have caused.
Editor's Note: Frontstretch has a brand new, redesigned Facebook page! Click here to "like" us and get a direct connect to all your Frontstretch favorites along with polls, interaction with fans and so much more.
~~~~~~~~~~
What To Watch: Wednesday
- NASCAR wraps up its two-day Goodyear Tire test in Dover, Delaware in advance of the June Nationwide/Sprint Cup weekend there. A.J. Allmendinger, Marcos Ambrose, Kevin Harvick, and Martin Truex, Jr. are scheduled to speak with the media about their progress.
Top News
by Brad Morgan
Tony Stewart and Chasers Meet With President Obama
Three-time Sprint Cup Champion Tony Stewart and the rest of the 2011 Chasers met with President Obama for an honorary ceremony on the White House Lawn on Tuesday. Obama congratulated Stewart for his accomplishments on the track last season, along with the effort of his eleven rivals while recognizing the sport on the national stage.
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the afternoon was the presence of Stewart's actual race car alongside the set of the conference. That appearance was paired with the President's interest in driving a stock car.
"It's good to see No. 14 on the South Lawn. Every year I try to take a lap; nobody lets me do it," President Obama said. "But I am still holding out hope that, at some point, I'm going to be able to get behind the wheel."
After recognizing Jimmie Johnson's accomplishments as a five-time champion, the President acknowledged Carl Edwards' membership in the Fitness Council while giving praise to the driver's efforts in the Chase, which made for NASCAR's closest ever margin of victory in the final standings.
"Carl battled Tony down to the wire and came about as close as you can get without actually winning," the president added, also referencing the way in which the runner-up handled himself at Homestead-Miami. "I think everybody who saw Carl after the race -- it was a great lesson in how you handle disappointment with grace and with class. He's an outstanding representative for all of NASCAR."
The praise didn't stop with the drivers on stage, either. Obama was pleased with the way that Brian France and Mike Helton have guided NASCAR into the 21st Century and helped the sport evolve over a short period of time while appealing to the fans' interest. "And that's typical," the president explained. "Underneath the helmets, behind all the trash talking -- and I notice it seems to be picking up quite a bit lately -- these are some outstanding men. And it's true about the whole NASCAR organization."
The government continues to remain involved in NASCAR sponsorship, with the U.S. Army backing Ryan Newman for several races while the National Guard is prominently displayed as a co-primary for Dale Earnhardt, Jr. It's an association with the military that carries deep roots, one Obama explained stock car racing should be proud of for the way it stands out above other sports.
"One thing especially I want to thank NASCAR for is the support that you guys have provided to our men and women in uniform. You give active duty soldiers, wounded warriors, veterans all a VIP experience at races. And [First Lady] Michelle [Obama] had a chance to see that firsthand at the Homestead race last year," Obama exclaimed. "You look out for military families. You look out for Gold Star families. You make regular visits to Walter Reed to raise spirits there. And for you guys to give that much back to folks who have given so much to us as a country and help protect us and keep us safe is remarkable. So I want to thank all of you for what you do on behalf of our troops.
The press conference and official transcript can be viewed here. All twelve Chasers were in attendance, notable as four missed the event last year due to other conflicts.
RAB Racing, Travis Pastrana, Michael Waltrip Racing Announce Partnership For 2012
One of NASCAR's most infamous rookies will be breathing easy in a few weeks for his Nationwide Series debut. 11-time X Games gold medalist Travis Pastrana announced Tuesday he, in coordination with Michael Waltrip Racing have established a partnership with RAB Racing for the rest of the 2012 season. The team, which is solidly inside the top 30 in Nationwide owner points will field its car for Pastrana at every one of the races on his limited schedule, beginning with Richmond on April 27th. Typically the No. 09, their Toyotas will change to No. 99 while keeping the points as the pressure comes off Pastrana to qualify for each of those events on speed.
"The most difficult thing for me has been to get up to speed in the first couple laps," he explained to the media Tuesday. "So this will be huge for me. I think it's great for Michael Waltrip and MWR who is fully supportive, which is awesome. So we'll still be able to keep the 99 number and keep the same basic sponsors."
He'll also have the same head wrench. Mike Greci, who has worked with Pastrana in getting him up to speed in NASCAR's K&N East Series will assume a "co-crew chief" role during his events with Scott Zipadelli. The 28-year-old has enough backing from Boost Mobile, KMC Wheels, Samsung and a host of minor supporters for at least seven Nationwide events, the much-needed financial boost RAB was looking for after sponsorship efforts for former full-time driver Kenny Wallace fell short in 2012.
"This is the next step for our team, having an alliance with a top Sprint Cup organization," said RAB Racing co-owner Robby Benton in Tuesday's press release. "We have a great core of people who believe in one another and this will help us grow in the future."
As for Pastrana's original ownership backer, Michael Waltrip, he claims the plans for Nationwide racing won't stop with Pastrana. The organization is working on sponsorship to put additional drivers in the No. 09/99 for races in which Kenny Wallace does not have funding; more announcements are expected within the next few weeks. As for Wallace, he'll be in the car come Talladega and in other, select events during which a MWR-funded driver is unavailable.
Go Green Racing to Debut in Sprint Cup
Go Green Racing will attempt to make its Sprint Cup Series debut in the STP 400 at Kansas Speedway on Sunday. The part-time Nationwide Series team, which runs the No. 39 in that division will rely on driver Tim Andrews to make the race in the No. 79 BBI / Bestway Disposal Ford Fusion. The event will mark Andrews' first ever shot to make a race in Sprint Cup.
Former NSCS Champion crew chief Paul Andrews will take charge atop the pit box for the rookie driver. Team owner Archie St. Hilaire is excited and confident that his driver / crew chief combination can get the Roush Yates-powered Ford into the race this weekend after showing that they're capable of qualifying for Nationwide Series races.
"Tim proved to us last year that he can get a car into the show, and at this level, that is what it is all about," said St. Hilaire. "The chemistry between Paul and Tim is outstanding. I think that Tim has shown us that he deserves a shot and I have always been a believer in giving a guy an opportunity."
Tim Andrews is also eager about his chance to race in NASCAR's highest series for the first time.
"I feel very fortunate to get this opportunity," said Andrews. "I have dreamed about being in a Cup car and to do it with my father's help is unbelievable. I believe in him and he believes in me, it just gives us that much more confidence. I've raced at Kansas before and can't wait to go back."
The younger Andrews, 29, has a best finish of 26th in 35 career Nationwide Series starts. He's only been running at the finish in three of those events, mostly driving start-and-park equipment during his short career.
Graham Rahal Placed On Probation
IZOD IndyCar driver Graham Rahal has been placed on probation for the next six races due to a blocking incident that took place on Lap 22 of an 85-lap race in Long Beach on April 15.
Rahal initially made contact with fellow driver Marco Andretti, a slip-up which caused Andretti's car to catch air and crash into the tire barrier in Turn 8 of the street circuit. Andretti and Rahal were OK after climbing from their wrecked vehicles. However, because of the way that the accident played out, Rahal was found to have violated the following rules of IndyCar: Rule 9.3.2, stating that a driver must not alter his/her racing line based on the actions of pursing drivers to inhibit or prevent passing; and Rule 9.3.3, stating that a competitor must not initiate or attempt to initiate avoidable contact that results in the interruption of another competitor's lap time or track position.
"Due to the inability of the No. 38 car to continue the race, a review of the on-track actions of Graham Rahal became a post-race issue," said IndyCar Competition Director Beaux Barfield. "All stewards have reviewed the incident and have decided that the on-track actions of Graham warranted probation because of driving that endangers on-track safety and adversely affects competition."
The suspension lasts until after the June 23 race at Iowa Speedway, and the rules violations can't be appealed or overturned. Rahal, on Twitter sideswiped the issue, claiming: "I know everyone wants a good quote from me as I've been good for a few in the past, but no comment today. Have a great evening ;)"
Earlier in the week, Rahal and legend Mario Andretti went at it after the young driver bashed Marco Andretti to Jenna Fryer of the Associated Press. When asked about if he chopped down on his rival, Rahal's response was simple: "What's Marco's last name? I've said enough." The Andrettis and Rahals have since talked and worked out their differences.
~~~~~~~~~~
Got NASCAR-related questions or comments?
Send them John Potts' way at john.potts@frontstretch.com; and, if you're lucky, you'll get your name in print when he does his weekly column answering back to you – the fans that keep Frontstretch afloat. Potts' Shots will run on Thursday with a whole new set of Fan Questions and Answers!
~~~~~~~~~~
Today's Featured Commentary
Politics Don't Belong in the NASCAR Hall of Fame
Full Throttle
by Mike Neff
The NASCAR Hall of Fame announced the list of its 25 nominees available for induction into the exclusive fraternity this past week. The previous 20 who were not inducted last year are still on the list, and then five new names were included. Rusty Wallace and Wendell Scott are the two drivers whose names have been added, while Ray Fox is the only new crew chief / team owner. Finally, Ralph Seagraves from R.J. Reynolds and Anne France, wife of Bill France Sr., are the two administrators who've been added to the ballot. But while all those selected are certainly part of the foundation on which NASCAR has been built, there are some key blocks of the first level that have still not even been nominated yet. The process of proposing icons for inclusion in the Hall of Fame should be about accomplishments, not about politics, and this year's class at least smells of insider negotiation if not completely wreaks of nepotism.
Rusty Wallace is an exception here; he should have already been on the list of nominees. The only Cup driver with 50 victories to his name who is not currently racing in the series, the 1989 Cup Series champ is deserving of inclusion. He should be inducted in the next few years easily, and it would be hard to argue against him if he were selected this year. Wendell Scott, however, is a little tougher to immediately wave the green flag to for membership in the Hall. There is no doubt that there should be a display solely dedicated to Scott and his struggles to overcome the rampant racism that existed in and around NASCAR when he was breaking the color barrier for the sport. The problem is that he only won one race, and that also happened to be the lone event he led. In fact, in 495 starts, the driver had just 20 top-5 finishes (4%). While Scott's effort and courage in the face of adversity is remarkable and an inspiration to NASCAR fans and non-NASCAR fans everywhere, his on-track accomplishments are simply not nearly as impressive. And after all, aren't the on-track accomplishments more important?
Ralph Seagraves should eventually be included within the walls of the Hall; he is the person that brought R.J. Reynolds to the table, in the early 1970s and that partnership ultimately put NASCAR on the national map. The only problem with Seagraves is that, like Red Byron, his notoriety within the sport is primarily a function of timing rather than career accomplishment. Byron's NASCAR stint included the first championship in what is now the Sprint Cup Series. Were it not for that one line on his resume, he wouldn't be anywhere near the list of nominees for the Hall of Fame at this point. While Seagraves happened to be the point person when Reynolds struck the deal with NASCAR, his role was more of a check writer then a promoter. He funneled a large amount of money into race tracks and the sport in general that helped move it to new heights, but T. Wayne Robertson was the real marketing genius at the tobacco company. Seagraves was the man in the big chair, at the right time, but what he did from an innovation standpoint was less than impressive.
Those selections were borderline at best; but it's the final two nominees, these true longshots who are the ones that have truly shaken my belief that this process is less about putting the truly "Hall of Fame worthy" people in the fraternity and more about simply sucking up to the France family and scratching the back of longtime France cronies. Ray Fox was an engine builder and car owner whose cars won 14 races and 16 pole positions. When you're talking about accomplishments that are truly extraordinary, those are hardly earth-shattering numbers. So why the nod for the Hall of Fame so early? Fox is on the list, in my opinion simply because once he retired from being an owner and engine builder, he worked with the sanctioning body as a motor inspector for seven years. While Fox built engines and owned cars that won some of the biggest races in the sport, they didn't win an inordinate number of them. Having Fox on this list screams of an old-boy network, back-slapping deal as an old friend of the Frances and nothing more.
But with that said, the most shocking name on the nominee list is Anne France. Big Bill's wife certainly was instrumental in helping NASCAR along in the early years because she had a better handle on financial matters than her husband did. While Bill France, Sr. was a tremendous promoter, his knowledge on the accounting side was not as profound. That void is where Anne stepped in. She was NASCAR's first secretary and treasurer, also filling those roles at Daytona International Speedway when the track opened in 1959.
In her later years, she managed the speedway's ticket office and was active in the business until she passed away in 1992. But while Ms. France filled the position of "the great woman behind the great man," she is really just another Red Byron or Ralph Seagraves. Anne just happened to be the one who was in the right place at the right time and ended up marrying the guy who built NASCAR. She was a really nice person and did support the sport and her husband early on, but to think she did anything extraordinary is laughable, and to have her on the nominee list at this point in time is a slap in the face to many of the people that truly did make a difference in the sport.
Who should have replaced France or Fox as a nominee? It's hard to say; the list of snubs is long and several of them are very distinguished. O. Bruton Smith is as responsible for moving NASCAR from a regional to a national sport as anyone else in the business. His efforts to make the racing experience all about the fans and building tracks that focus on that experience is crucial to the advancement of the sport. The problem is Smith and NASCAR have clashed for years on many issues and the Frances have long had a contentious relationship with him - that explains his omission. I can't see any other thought process that works, for having any list of the most influential people in the sport without Smith on it is like having a compilation of great Americans and leaving off Ben Franklin. He may not be the father of the country, but he's at least on the same branch of the family tree.
Another name who, at least from the outside looking in, appears to be on a black list from the NASCAR establishment is Smokey Yunick. Prior to the introduction of the new car design, no two people were responsible for more pages in the NASCAR rulebook than Junior Johnson and Yunick. Yunick's work in the "gray area" is legendary and often ruffled the feathers of the officials of the sport; it's a wound that apparently has not healed. Can there be any other reason other than his abrasive relationship with NASCAR that Yunick is not on this list but Ray Fox is? Yunick scored 57 victories in the sport and even notched an IndyCar win. He was twice voted the NASCAR Mechanic of the Year and also won two Cup Series championships. He has at least 11 patents to his name and has been enshrined in at least 15 different Halls of Fame across the country. The only explanation for Yunick being bypassed for the NASCAR Hall of Fame is either the nominating committee doesn't have a clue what he did in his career or the people who run NASCAR are blackballing him.
There are many other people who should have their name on the list before some who are on there now, but the additions this year truly exemplify that the process is not about accomplishment but about who you know, knew, or screwed over in the past. Unfortunately for the fans of the sport, the Hall of Fame that was supposed to celebrate the people who are the best of the best in the history of NASCAR has been reduced to the best of the best who haven't wronged the Frances in their lifetime.
Mike Neff is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via e-mail at mike.neff@frontstretch.com.
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COME JOIN THE FRONTSTRETCH FAMILY!
Correction: In yesterday's Newsletter, the Managing Editor incorrectly inserted the wrong state for Lee USA Speedway in S.D. Grady's column. The track is located in New Hampshire, not western Massachusetts. We apologize for the error and any confusion it may have caused.
Editor's Note: Frontstretch has a brand new, redesigned Facebook page! Click here to "like" us and get a direct connect to all your Frontstretch favorites along with polls, interaction with fans and so much more.
~~~~~~~~~~
What To Watch: Wednesday
- NASCAR wraps up its two-day Goodyear Tire test in Dover, Delaware in advance of the June Nationwide/Sprint Cup weekend there. A.J. Allmendinger, Marcos Ambrose, Kevin Harvick, and Martin Truex, Jr. are scheduled to speak with the media about their progress.
Top News
by Brad Morgan
Tony Stewart and Chasers Meet With President Obama
Three-time Sprint Cup Champion Tony Stewart and the rest of the 2011 Chasers met with President Obama for an honorary ceremony on the White House Lawn on Tuesday. Obama congratulated Stewart for his accomplishments on the track last season, along with the effort of his eleven rivals while recognizing the sport on the national stage.
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the afternoon was the presence of Stewart's actual race car alongside the set of the conference. That appearance was paired with the President's interest in driving a stock car.
"It's good to see No. 14 on the South Lawn. Every year I try to take a lap; nobody lets me do it," President Obama said. "But I am still holding out hope that, at some point, I'm going to be able to get behind the wheel."
After recognizing Jimmie Johnson's accomplishments as a five-time champion, the President acknowledged Carl Edwards' membership in the Fitness Council while giving praise to the driver's efforts in the Chase, which made for NASCAR's closest ever margin of victory in the final standings.
"Carl battled Tony down to the wire and came about as close as you can get without actually winning," the president added, also referencing the way in which the runner-up handled himself at Homestead-Miami. "I think everybody who saw Carl after the race -- it was a great lesson in how you handle disappointment with grace and with class. He's an outstanding representative for all of NASCAR."
The praise didn't stop with the drivers on stage, either. Obama was pleased with the way that Brian France and Mike Helton have guided NASCAR into the 21st Century and helped the sport evolve over a short period of time while appealing to the fans' interest. "And that's typical," the president explained. "Underneath the helmets, behind all the trash talking -- and I notice it seems to be picking up quite a bit lately -- these are some outstanding men. And it's true about the whole NASCAR organization."
The government continues to remain involved in NASCAR sponsorship, with the U.S. Army backing Ryan Newman for several races while the National Guard is prominently displayed as a co-primary for Dale Earnhardt, Jr. It's an association with the military that carries deep roots, one Obama explained stock car racing should be proud of for the way it stands out above other sports.
"One thing especially I want to thank NASCAR for is the support that you guys have provided to our men and women in uniform. You give active duty soldiers, wounded warriors, veterans all a VIP experience at races. And [First Lady] Michelle [Obama] had a chance to see that firsthand at the Homestead race last year," Obama exclaimed. "You look out for military families. You look out for Gold Star families. You make regular visits to Walter Reed to raise spirits there. And for you guys to give that much back to folks who have given so much to us as a country and help protect us and keep us safe is remarkable. So I want to thank all of you for what you do on behalf of our troops.
The press conference and official transcript can be viewed here. All twelve Chasers were in attendance, notable as four missed the event last year due to other conflicts.
RAB Racing, Travis Pastrana, Michael Waltrip Racing Announce Partnership For 2012
One of NASCAR's most infamous rookies will be breathing easy in a few weeks for his Nationwide Series debut. 11-time X Games gold medalist Travis Pastrana announced Tuesday he, in coordination with Michael Waltrip Racing have established a partnership with RAB Racing for the rest of the 2012 season. The team, which is solidly inside the top 30 in Nationwide owner points will field its car for Pastrana at every one of the races on his limited schedule, beginning with Richmond on April 27th. Typically the No. 09, their Toyotas will change to No. 99 while keeping the points as the pressure comes off Pastrana to qualify for each of those events on speed.
"The most difficult thing for me has been to get up to speed in the first couple laps," he explained to the media Tuesday. "So this will be huge for me. I think it's great for Michael Waltrip and MWR who is fully supportive, which is awesome. So we'll still be able to keep the 99 number and keep the same basic sponsors."
He'll also have the same head wrench. Mike Greci, who has worked with Pastrana in getting him up to speed in NASCAR's K&N East Series will assume a "co-crew chief" role during his events with Scott Zipadelli. The 28-year-old has enough backing from Boost Mobile, KMC Wheels, Samsung and a host of minor supporters for at least seven Nationwide events, the much-needed financial boost RAB was looking for after sponsorship efforts for former full-time driver Kenny Wallace fell short in 2012.
"This is the next step for our team, having an alliance with a top Sprint Cup organization," said RAB Racing co-owner Robby Benton in Tuesday's press release. "We have a great core of people who believe in one another and this will help us grow in the future."
As for Pastrana's original ownership backer, Michael Waltrip, he claims the plans for Nationwide racing won't stop with Pastrana. The organization is working on sponsorship to put additional drivers in the No. 09/99 for races in which Kenny Wallace does not have funding; more announcements are expected within the next few weeks. As for Wallace, he'll be in the car come Talladega and in other, select events during which a MWR-funded driver is unavailable.
Go Green Racing to Debut in Sprint Cup
Go Green Racing will attempt to make its Sprint Cup Series debut in the STP 400 at Kansas Speedway on Sunday. The part-time Nationwide Series team, which runs the No. 39 in that division will rely on driver Tim Andrews to make the race in the No. 79 BBI / Bestway Disposal Ford Fusion. The event will mark Andrews' first ever shot to make a race in Sprint Cup.
Former NSCS Champion crew chief Paul Andrews will take charge atop the pit box for the rookie driver. Team owner Archie St. Hilaire is excited and confident that his driver / crew chief combination can get the Roush Yates-powered Ford into the race this weekend after showing that they're capable of qualifying for Nationwide Series races.
"Tim proved to us last year that he can get a car into the show, and at this level, that is what it is all about," said St. Hilaire. "The chemistry between Paul and Tim is outstanding. I think that Tim has shown us that he deserves a shot and I have always been a believer in giving a guy an opportunity."
Tim Andrews is also eager about his chance to race in NASCAR's highest series for the first time.
"I feel very fortunate to get this opportunity," said Andrews. "I have dreamed about being in a Cup car and to do it with my father's help is unbelievable. I believe in him and he believes in me, it just gives us that much more confidence. I've raced at Kansas before and can't wait to go back."
The younger Andrews, 29, has a best finish of 26th in 35 career Nationwide Series starts. He's only been running at the finish in three of those events, mostly driving start-and-park equipment during his short career.
Graham Rahal Placed On Probation
IZOD IndyCar driver Graham Rahal has been placed on probation for the next six races due to a blocking incident that took place on Lap 22 of an 85-lap race in Long Beach on April 15.
Rahal initially made contact with fellow driver Marco Andretti, a slip-up which caused Andretti's car to catch air and crash into the tire barrier in Turn 8 of the street circuit. Andretti and Rahal were OK after climbing from their wrecked vehicles. However, because of the way that the accident played out, Rahal was found to have violated the following rules of IndyCar: Rule 9.3.2, stating that a driver must not alter his/her racing line based on the actions of pursing drivers to inhibit or prevent passing; and Rule 9.3.3, stating that a competitor must not initiate or attempt to initiate avoidable contact that results in the interruption of another competitor's lap time or track position.
"Due to the inability of the No. 38 car to continue the race, a review of the on-track actions of Graham Rahal became a post-race issue," said IndyCar Competition Director Beaux Barfield. "All stewards have reviewed the incident and have decided that the on-track actions of Graham warranted probation because of driving that endangers on-track safety and adversely affects competition."
The suspension lasts until after the June 23 race at Iowa Speedway, and the rules violations can't be appealed or overturned. Rahal, on Twitter sideswiped the issue, claiming: "I know everyone wants a good quote from me as I've been good for a few in the past, but no comment today. Have a great evening ;)"
Earlier in the week, Rahal and legend Mario Andretti went at it after the young driver bashed Marco Andretti to Jenna Fryer of the Associated Press. When asked about if he chopped down on his rival, Rahal's response was simple: "What's Marco's last name? I've said enough." The Andrettis and Rahals have since talked and worked out their differences.
Have news for Brad and the Frontstretch? Don't hesitate to let us know; email us at phil.allaway@frontstretch.com with a promising lead or tip.
~~~~~~~~~~
Got NASCAR-related questions or comments?
Send them John Potts' way at john.potts@frontstretch.com; and, if you're lucky, you'll get your name in print when he does his weekly column answering back to you – the fans that keep Frontstretch afloat. Potts' Shots will run on Thursday with a whole new set of Fan Questions and Answers!
~~~~~~~~~~
Today's Featured Commentary
Politics Don't Belong in the NASCAR Hall of Fame
Full Throttle
by Mike Neff
The NASCAR Hall of Fame announced the list of its 25 nominees available for induction into the exclusive fraternity this past week. The previous 20 who were not inducted last year are still on the list, and then five new names were included. Rusty Wallace and Wendell Scott are the two drivers whose names have been added, while Ray Fox is the only new crew chief / team owner. Finally, Ralph Seagraves from R.J. Reynolds and Anne France, wife of Bill France Sr., are the two administrators who've been added to the ballot. But while all those selected are certainly part of the foundation on which NASCAR has been built, there are some key blocks of the first level that have still not even been nominated yet. The process of proposing icons for inclusion in the Hall of Fame should be about accomplishments, not about politics, and this year's class at least smells of insider negotiation if not completely wreaks of nepotism.
Rusty Wallace is an exception here; he should have already been on the list of nominees. The only Cup driver with 50 victories to his name who is not currently racing in the series, the 1989 Cup Series champ is deserving of inclusion. He should be inducted in the next few years easily, and it would be hard to argue against him if he were selected this year. Wendell Scott, however, is a little tougher to immediately wave the green flag to for membership in the Hall. There is no doubt that there should be a display solely dedicated to Scott and his struggles to overcome the rampant racism that existed in and around NASCAR when he was breaking the color barrier for the sport. The problem is that he only won one race, and that also happened to be the lone event he led. In fact, in 495 starts, the driver had just 20 top-5 finishes (4%). While Scott's effort and courage in the face of adversity is remarkable and an inspiration to NASCAR fans and non-NASCAR fans everywhere, his on-track accomplishments are simply not nearly as impressive. And after all, aren't the on-track accomplishments more important?
Ralph Seagraves should eventually be included within the walls of the Hall; he is the person that brought R.J. Reynolds to the table, in the early 1970s and that partnership ultimately put NASCAR on the national map. The only problem with Seagraves is that, like Red Byron, his notoriety within the sport is primarily a function of timing rather than career accomplishment. Byron's NASCAR stint included the first championship in what is now the Sprint Cup Series. Were it not for that one line on his resume, he wouldn't be anywhere near the list of nominees for the Hall of Fame at this point. While Seagraves happened to be the point person when Reynolds struck the deal with NASCAR, his role was more of a check writer then a promoter. He funneled a large amount of money into race tracks and the sport in general that helped move it to new heights, but T. Wayne Robertson was the real marketing genius at the tobacco company. Seagraves was the man in the big chair, at the right time, but what he did from an innovation standpoint was less than impressive.
Those selections were borderline at best; but it's the final two nominees, these true longshots who are the ones that have truly shaken my belief that this process is less about putting the truly "Hall of Fame worthy" people in the fraternity and more about simply sucking up to the France family and scratching the back of longtime France cronies. Ray Fox was an engine builder and car owner whose cars won 14 races and 16 pole positions. When you're talking about accomplishments that are truly extraordinary, those are hardly earth-shattering numbers. So why the nod for the Hall of Fame so early? Fox is on the list, in my opinion simply because once he retired from being an owner and engine builder, he worked with the sanctioning body as a motor inspector for seven years. While Fox built engines and owned cars that won some of the biggest races in the sport, they didn't win an inordinate number of them. Having Fox on this list screams of an old-boy network, back-slapping deal as an old friend of the Frances and nothing more.
But with that said, the most shocking name on the nominee list is Anne France. Big Bill's wife certainly was instrumental in helping NASCAR along in the early years because she had a better handle on financial matters than her husband did. While Bill France, Sr. was a tremendous promoter, his knowledge on the accounting side was not as profound. That void is where Anne stepped in. She was NASCAR's first secretary and treasurer, also filling those roles at Daytona International Speedway when the track opened in 1959.
In her later years, she managed the speedway's ticket office and was active in the business until she passed away in 1992. But while Ms. France filled the position of "the great woman behind the great man," she is really just another Red Byron or Ralph Seagraves. Anne just happened to be the one who was in the right place at the right time and ended up marrying the guy who built NASCAR. She was a really nice person and did support the sport and her husband early on, but to think she did anything extraordinary is laughable, and to have her on the nominee list at this point in time is a slap in the face to many of the people that truly did make a difference in the sport.
Who should have replaced France or Fox as a nominee? It's hard to say; the list of snubs is long and several of them are very distinguished. O. Bruton Smith is as responsible for moving NASCAR from a regional to a national sport as anyone else in the business. His efforts to make the racing experience all about the fans and building tracks that focus on that experience is crucial to the advancement of the sport. The problem is Smith and NASCAR have clashed for years on many issues and the Frances have long had a contentious relationship with him - that explains his omission. I can't see any other thought process that works, for having any list of the most influential people in the sport without Smith on it is like having a compilation of great Americans and leaving off Ben Franklin. He may not be the father of the country, but he's at least on the same branch of the family tree.
Another name who, at least from the outside looking in, appears to be on a black list from the NASCAR establishment is Smokey Yunick. Prior to the introduction of the new car design, no two people were responsible for more pages in the NASCAR rulebook than Junior Johnson and Yunick. Yunick's work in the "gray area" is legendary and often ruffled the feathers of the officials of the sport; it's a wound that apparently has not healed. Can there be any other reason other than his abrasive relationship with NASCAR that Yunick is not on this list but Ray Fox is? Yunick scored 57 victories in the sport and even notched an IndyCar win. He was twice voted the NASCAR Mechanic of the Year and also won two Cup Series championships. He has at least 11 patents to his name and has been enshrined in at least 15 different Halls of Fame across the country. The only explanation for Yunick being bypassed for the NASCAR Hall of Fame is either the nominating committee doesn't have a clue what he did in his career or the people who run NASCAR are blackballing him.
There are many other people who should have their name on the list before some who are on there now, but the additions this year truly exemplify that the process is not about accomplishment but about who you know, knew, or screwed over in the past. Unfortunately for the fans of the sport, the Hall of Fame that was supposed to celebrate the people who are the best of the best in the history of NASCAR has been reduced to the best of the best who haven't wronged the Frances in their lifetime.
Mike Neff is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via e-mail at mike.neff@frontstretch.com.
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COME JOIN THE FRONTSTRETCH FAMILY!
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We are looking for someone who shares our enthusiasm for NASCAR and has an experienced background in web design. Specifically, we are looking for someone who can help maintain and enhance our website, increase our SEO, and upgrade our publishing platform while producing a limited amount of content throughout the season. This job presents a perfect opportunity for someone with a technical background, a person who wants their work to gain national exposure.
If you are interested, contact frontstretcheditors@googlegroups.com. Please include references to your past work in your e-mail.
~~~~~~~~~~
Tweet 'N' Greet
by Summer Dreyer
Editor's Note: With the NASCAR Twitter community expanding by leaps and bounds, it remains a place for instantaneous news, reactions, and a whole lot of inside jokes. We understand if you don't want to join the Twitter community - but as a fan, it's important to know the news and info you're missing out on! That's why, every week, Summer Dreyer will sort through the thousands of messages and give us a little taste of what's going on each Wednesday.
So, without further ado, here's a look at what those in NASCAR were thinking over the past seven days...
@KevinHarvick: Note to self: greeting your pregnant wife with a belly bump is frowned upon.
@RCR31JeffBurton: Spent the morning running the late model at Motor Mile speedway, very nice facility. Ran there about 20 yrs ago. Won Busch race, then got DQed
@31n2Spotter (Brett Griffin): Woke up at 5:45am. Pulled up NASCAR schedules for upcoming races. Two additional days in Pocono to test new track surface. #RUFKM
@TJmajors: 31n2Spotter I seen that. Sounds fun huh?
@31n2Spotter: @Tjmajors about as much fun as having as tying battery cables to your nipples
@MartySmithESPN: I don't see the point. RT @Buccigross: Swimmer Amanda Beard slams ex-boyfriend Carl Edwards in her memoir.
@JennaFryer: @MartySmithESPN Yes you do: To sell books.
@ClintBowyer: Headed to Spokane WA today for a Sherwin Williams event with @gbiffle. Been working on a project with them, think you'll like it.
@KevinHarvick: Glad it's not me... http://t.co/PsOBIQsq
@Mc_Driver (Michael McDowell): Our little McBaby is doing well! All arms, legs, hands and feet are accounted for. http://t.co/cnVUUeZk
@JimmieJohnson: The worst part of the trip... #leaving http://t.co/IWo1CEcr
@keselowski: Spent some time over at CNN today Rode the world's largest escalator ---> http://t.co/2RgrpfAl
@jim_utter: Work already underway at Bristol => http://yfrog.com/o0ybrqxj#NASCAR
@ClintBowyer: Think it snows a lot in WA? http://t.co/kVWkj48n
@31n2Spotter: I can promise you every racer at heart misses going to Rockingham! I'm happy to be going back on Sunday! #nascar
@KevinHarvick: Headed to play some basketball! Only guy not showing up is @austindillon3 because he gets too sore... Really???
@austindillon3: Wow I'm on the way @KevinHarvick we're def not on the same team today and I'm calling my shot my team will win
@KevinHarvick: @austindillon3 ok good I can take this box of tampons back that I bought for you!!!
@Mother_Function: You're "cramping" his style! RT @KevinHarvick: @austindillon3 ok good I can take this box of tampons back that I bought for you!!!
@RyanMcGeeESPN: My wife says she rode an elevator with @chocolatemyers3 at @NASCARHall today. That was one high class elevator.
@KyleBusch: Hey @TXMotorSpeedway @eddiegossage, when is curfew? U think us drivers can get some sleep and shut that loud music off?
@J_Allgaier (Justin Allgaier): What a day for the @BrandtRacing @TeamChevy car. We were fast on the long runs but needed some short run speed and track position. On to RIR
@J_Allgaier: We will take a solid top 10 and move forward. Cool to see all 3 @TurnerMotorspts Chevys in the top 10. Great job @kaseykahne and @stevearpin
@StenhouseJr (Ricky Stenhouse, Jr.): What a great weekend here @TXMotorSpeedway blessed to b in this situation with great ppl around! having fun! #NoLimits #NASCAR #RFR25
@bscottracing (Brian Scott): Thanks everyone for the positive thoughts. Been a rough start to the season so far. All we can do is keep digging with this @DGRacing team.
@jeff_gluck: Extremely windy out here in Texas today. Strong enough to blow some of the smaller spotters off the roof, maybe.
@TravisPastrana: The hotel room care package for being Grand Marshal is pretty nice #SamsungMobile500 #NoLimits
@JimmieJohnson: I had to honk and give you a thumbs up for flying the 48 flag. "@Brian7Cruz: @JimmieJohnson DUUUUUDE!!!! http://instagr.am/p/JaMBoWFntP/"
@Ryan_Truex: Idk what everyone's so angry about, I never said anything about Kenny or his talent, just saying I didn't have daddy buy my ride
@Ryan_Truex: Unfortunately people feel they need to make threats or tell me how much I suck, but it's OK because you just make me more determined
@KristineC48 (Kristine Curley): A little boy asks JJ: How many trophies do you have? JJ: Not enough.
@DanicaPatrick: I am so proud of my marathon sleeps, 1245 AM (flew home last night) to 1120 AM. All my fine lines just disappeared! #30
@ClintBowyer: Man, it seems like this day is taking forever. Let's RACE already!!!!
@ClintBowyer: Fellow Midwesterners... Keep a good eye on the weather. Looking pretty wild on the ole Radar!
@DeLanaHarvick: man, the wind is blowing so hard that the bus is rocking! wonder how fun that'll feel in the cars tonight? #nothanks
@jeff_gluck: With all the wind, this isn't going to end well... http://instagr.am/p/JanL5htXgD/
@jeff_gluck: This kid is at a SERIOUS disadvantage. This won't end well, either. http://instagr.am/p/JanL5htXgD/
@Elliott_Sadler: Thank you to @kevinharvick and @delanaharvick for letting me be a part of the championship effort http://pic.twitter.com/sA0dbupk
@keselowski: Getting ready to go racing here @TXMotorSpeedway We start 8th, wind is gonna be crazzzzzzyyy
@TheMiniChad: That laughter you hear? That's the #IndyCar crew laughing when people say THEIR racing is a snooze.
@jeff_gluck: Saw some dumbass almost get run over by Tony Stewart in the garage. I think Stewart even made contact w/ him and the guy was still clueless.
@Mother_Function: @kevinharvick had been complaining about something on his grill. Pulls into garage after race and it was a $100 bill #dollamakeyaholla
@KevinHarvick: OK night... Best part of was when I pulled in there was $100 bill stuck on my grill!
@KevinHarvick: Car chief put it in his pocket! RT @14BarbNASCAR39 @KevinHarvick Anyone get a picture of it and what happened to the $$?
@kaseykahne: Had a great night of racing. Ended up 7th. We fought hard as a team. Thanks guys! Now off to the ROCK. Praying for everyone in Wichita KS
@David_Ragan: I don't care if I don't feel another wind gust for a month. Tired of the dang wind. #windy
@ClintBowyer (on tornados): Hope everyone is ok in Wichita, looks like its headed right for Emporia next. Keep an eye out y'all... Hammering the Midwest tonight, damn!
@JimmieJohnson: A solid night for the 48. My guys brought me a killer car and bad fast pit stops. We are so close to catching fire. #6Pack
@TheOrangeCone: Got $100 to kiss one of the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders. Now I can't find it. Anyone have any ideas?
@Mc_Driver: Sitting in the exit row across from @BlakeKochRacing I asked flight attendant if he weighed enough to operate the emergency door #littleguy
@nascarcasm: If the $100 bill stuck on @KevinHarvick's grill had wound up on a start-and-park's grill, could they have run a couple more laps? #NASCAR
@Samantha_Busch: That was a bumpy flight over to Houston. Glad I could at least be entertainment 4 @KyleBusch who gets a kick out of my flying meltdowns!
@joeylogano: I'm still looking for a caution flag from yesterday's race. Has anyone seen one yet
@jeff_gluck: It blew away. RT @joeylogano: I'm still looking for a caution flag from yesterday's race. Has anyone seen one yet
@gbiffle (Greg Biffle): Sorry everyone just got my twitter working again had to delete and reload it was bound up!!! Thanks for all the support over the last 49
@gbiffle: What a great job by my team to build me cars, make great pit stops and good calls by first time winning crew chief @mpuccia16 !!!!!
@aric_almirola: Good way to let yesterday go.
@nateryan: Great to see strong fan turnout & industry enthusiasm for the return to Rockingham today. A very good day for #nascar and the Truck Series.
@Elliott_Sadler: Very jealous watching Truck race on @SPEED .. Love how fall off creates different grooves that creates great racing.. #wanttoberacing
@jim_utter: Sign in front of church on US 1 today: "Pre-race service at 8:45 a.m. and then to the track"
@dennyhamlin: Come on @mw55. You wouldn't race a truck that I built? I promise the spoiler will at least stay attached #daytonawinner
@joeylogano: Watching from the starting line earlier http://t.co/qtSfmosI
@Matt_Crafton: I sure hope we come back RT @Andy__Rock: Thanks to everyone that believed in @RockinghamSpeed Let the good times roll. #filltherockpart2 :)
@JimmieJohnson: I'm glad that black cloud stopped following you @kaseykahne, awesome weekend of racing.
@2Spotter (Joey Meier): There are. Mostly Moms or Wives. All are welcome. RT @Only1Rooh: are there any female spotters? If no Why not? Just curious #birdseyeview
@nascarcasm: Sometimes you see John Force interviewed, and you swear it's Gary Busey in a Castrol firesuit. #nhra
@ClintBowyer: Soooo! This is what it feels like to sit around on a Sunday and be a Motorsports fan? Pretty cool...
@ClintBowyer: It's probably a good thing this doesn't happen often for me, I'd own stock in Kroger and Budweiser! Horsepower Sunday hard on a guy.
@NelsonPiquet: Getting Kansas truck ready! Gonna be even quicker than the Rockingham truck! http://t.co/byDJzE1c
@KevinHarvick: In my closet to pack some clothes for white house visit tomorrow & I thought to myself: I wonder if shorts, T-Shirt, and flip flops will work?
@pkligerman (Parker Kligerman): Just passed the Daytona 500 Camry pace car.... What is going on fellow #Nascar friend?
@Andy__Rock (Andy Hillenburg): Time to call it a day :) Still riding in the clouds. Lol. Gotta think of how to get more trash bags in morning
@AJDinger (AJ Allmendinger): Just landed in Dover. Looking forward to a two-day tire test. Good chance to try some different things and keep learning.
@JimmieJohnson: Whoever thinks I had a problem with @RyanNewman39 in Martinsville is an idiot...
@ClintBowyer: The worst part about having a good night... Waking up the next day and seeing that @55MarkMartin was in the gym 2 hrs after u went to bed.
@bobpockrass: USA show "Burn Notice" taped an episode Monday at the track. Will air this summer. #nascar
@keselowski: On our way to see the POTUS with the NASCAR team today.
@JimmieJohnson: Can someone please teach this man how to tie a tie. #FunnyStuff http://pic.twitter.com/er8yzN4E
@KevinHarvick: Had a good morning of testing and now we are headed to the White House for the afternoon.
@JimmieJohnson: @keselowski: Thanks for bringing the chocolate shakes.
@keselowski: @JimmieJohnson no problem. Between the three of us, there were 5 NASCAR Sprint Cup championships on that plane... #ShakeWorthy
@DNewtonESPN (David Newton): My memory of last year's #NASCAR White House trip was @Jeff_Gluck did interviews in forbidden area and cab driver charged my AMEX $12,241..
@keselowski: Getting closer to the white house http://t.co/27lfbiTW
@keselowski: East wing. White house #nascar http://t.co/CwATTCPg
@keselowski: Setting up for the ceremony. #NASCAR http://t.co/0wgEukW4
@Samantha_Busch: Fun fact! Each room in the @whitehouse has fresh cut flowers in it. Beautiful! http://t.co/E9hr6CxH
@jeff_gluck: Ha! President Obama just asked Tony Stewart for tips on how to handle the media. That's great.
@JimmieJohnson: What an honor and congrats again Smoke http://t.co/dlAz4oG5
@KurtBusch: The Buschs at the White House. @Samantha_Busch @KyleBusch @Patricia_AFF http://t.co/4zRfYmkn
@KevinHarvick: Only original painting left from the original White House before it burned down! http://t.co/0Bjq4M2M
@KevinHarvick: You probably remember many of the Presidents' speeches from here! http://t.co/2t8EOfIX
~~~~~~~~~~
Tweet 'N' Greet
by Summer Dreyer
Editor's Note: With the NASCAR Twitter community expanding by leaps and bounds, it remains a place for instantaneous news, reactions, and a whole lot of inside jokes. We understand if you don't want to join the Twitter community - but as a fan, it's important to know the news and info you're missing out on! That's why, every week, Summer Dreyer will sort through the thousands of messages and give us a little taste of what's going on each Wednesday.
So, without further ado, here's a look at what those in NASCAR were thinking over the past seven days...
@KevinHarvick: Note to self: greeting your pregnant wife with a belly bump is frowned upon.
@RCR31JeffBurton: Spent the morning running the late model at Motor Mile speedway, very nice facility. Ran there about 20 yrs ago. Won Busch race, then got DQed
@31n2Spotter (Brett Griffin): Woke up at 5:45am. Pulled up NASCAR schedules for upcoming races. Two additional days in Pocono to test new track surface. #RUFKM
@TJmajors: 31n2Spotter I seen that. Sounds fun huh?
@31n2Spotter: @Tjmajors about as much fun as having as tying battery cables to your nipples
@MartySmithESPN: I don't see the point. RT @Buccigross: Swimmer Amanda Beard slams ex-boyfriend Carl Edwards in her memoir.
@JennaFryer: @MartySmithESPN Yes you do: To sell books.
@ClintBowyer: Headed to Spokane WA today for a Sherwin Williams event with @gbiffle. Been working on a project with them, think you'll like it.
@KevinHarvick: Glad it's not me... http://t.co/PsOBIQsq
@Mc_Driver (Michael McDowell): Our little McBaby is doing well! All arms, legs, hands and feet are accounted for. http://t.co/cnVUUeZk
@JimmieJohnson: The worst part of the trip... #leaving http://t.co/IWo1CEcr
@keselowski: Spent some time over at CNN today Rode the world's largest escalator ---> http://t.co/2RgrpfAl
@jim_utter: Work already underway at Bristol => http://yfrog.com/o0ybrqxj#NASCAR
@ClintBowyer: Think it snows a lot in WA? http://t.co/kVWkj48n
@31n2Spotter: I can promise you every racer at heart misses going to Rockingham! I'm happy to be going back on Sunday! #nascar
@KevinHarvick: Headed to play some basketball! Only guy not showing up is @austindillon3 because he gets too sore... Really???
@austindillon3: Wow I'm on the way @KevinHarvick we're def not on the same team today and I'm calling my shot my team will win
@KevinHarvick: @austindillon3 ok good I can take this box of tampons back that I bought for you!!!
@Mother_Function: You're "cramping" his style! RT @KevinHarvick: @austindillon3 ok good I can take this box of tampons back that I bought for you!!!
@RyanMcGeeESPN: My wife says she rode an elevator with @chocolatemyers3 at @NASCARHall today. That was one high class elevator.
@KyleBusch: Hey @TXMotorSpeedway @eddiegossage, when is curfew? U think us drivers can get some sleep and shut that loud music off?
@J_Allgaier (Justin Allgaier): What a day for the @BrandtRacing @TeamChevy car. We were fast on the long runs but needed some short run speed and track position. On to RIR
@J_Allgaier: We will take a solid top 10 and move forward. Cool to see all 3 @TurnerMotorspts Chevys in the top 10. Great job @kaseykahne and @stevearpin
@StenhouseJr (Ricky Stenhouse, Jr.): What a great weekend here @TXMotorSpeedway blessed to b in this situation with great ppl around! having fun! #NoLimits #NASCAR #RFR25
@bscottracing (Brian Scott): Thanks everyone for the positive thoughts. Been a rough start to the season so far. All we can do is keep digging with this @DGRacing team.
@jeff_gluck: Extremely windy out here in Texas today. Strong enough to blow some of the smaller spotters off the roof, maybe.
@TravisPastrana: The hotel room care package for being Grand Marshal is pretty nice #SamsungMobile500 #NoLimits
@JimmieJohnson: I had to honk and give you a thumbs up for flying the 48 flag. "@Brian7Cruz: @JimmieJohnson DUUUUUDE!!!! http://instagr.am/p/JaMBoWFntP/"
@Ryan_Truex: Idk what everyone's so angry about, I never said anything about Kenny or his talent, just saying I didn't have daddy buy my ride
@Ryan_Truex: Unfortunately people feel they need to make threats or tell me how much I suck, but it's OK because you just make me more determined
@KristineC48 (Kristine Curley): A little boy asks JJ: How many trophies do you have? JJ: Not enough.
@DanicaPatrick: I am so proud of my marathon sleeps, 1245 AM (flew home last night) to 1120 AM. All my fine lines just disappeared! #30
@ClintBowyer: Man, it seems like this day is taking forever. Let's RACE already!!!!
@ClintBowyer: Fellow Midwesterners... Keep a good eye on the weather. Looking pretty wild on the ole Radar!
@DeLanaHarvick: man, the wind is blowing so hard that the bus is rocking! wonder how fun that'll feel in the cars tonight? #nothanks
@jeff_gluck: With all the wind, this isn't going to end well... http://instagr.am/p/JanL5htXgD/
@jeff_gluck: This kid is at a SERIOUS disadvantage. This won't end well, either. http://instagr.am/p/JanL5htXgD/
@Elliott_Sadler: Thank you to @kevinharvick and @delanaharvick for letting me be a part of the championship effort http://pic.twitter.com/sA0dbupk
@keselowski: Getting ready to go racing here @TXMotorSpeedway We start 8th, wind is gonna be crazzzzzzyyy
@TheMiniChad: That laughter you hear? That's the #IndyCar crew laughing when people say THEIR racing is a snooze.
@jeff_gluck: Saw some dumbass almost get run over by Tony Stewart in the garage. I think Stewart even made contact w/ him and the guy was still clueless.
@Mother_Function: @kevinharvick had been complaining about something on his grill. Pulls into garage after race and it was a $100 bill #dollamakeyaholla
@KevinHarvick: OK night... Best part of was when I pulled in there was $100 bill stuck on my grill!
@KevinHarvick: Car chief put it in his pocket! RT @14BarbNASCAR39 @KevinHarvick Anyone get a picture of it and what happened to the $$?
@kaseykahne: Had a great night of racing. Ended up 7th. We fought hard as a team. Thanks guys! Now off to the ROCK. Praying for everyone in Wichita KS
@David_Ragan: I don't care if I don't feel another wind gust for a month. Tired of the dang wind. #windy
@ClintBowyer (on tornados): Hope everyone is ok in Wichita, looks like its headed right for Emporia next. Keep an eye out y'all... Hammering the Midwest tonight, damn!
@JimmieJohnson: A solid night for the 48. My guys brought me a killer car and bad fast pit stops. We are so close to catching fire. #6Pack
@TheOrangeCone: Got $100 to kiss one of the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders. Now I can't find it. Anyone have any ideas?
@Mc_Driver: Sitting in the exit row across from @BlakeKochRacing I asked flight attendant if he weighed enough to operate the emergency door #littleguy
@nascarcasm: If the $100 bill stuck on @KevinHarvick's grill had wound up on a start-and-park's grill, could they have run a couple more laps? #NASCAR
@Samantha_Busch: That was a bumpy flight over to Houston. Glad I could at least be entertainment 4 @KyleBusch who gets a kick out of my flying meltdowns!
@joeylogano: I'm still looking for a caution flag from yesterday's race. Has anyone seen one yet
@jeff_gluck: It blew away. RT @joeylogano: I'm still looking for a caution flag from yesterday's race. Has anyone seen one yet
@gbiffle (Greg Biffle): Sorry everyone just got my twitter working again had to delete and reload it was bound up!!! Thanks for all the support over the last 49
@gbiffle: What a great job by my team to build me cars, make great pit stops and good calls by first time winning crew chief @mpuccia16 !!!!!
@aric_almirola: Good way to let yesterday go.
@nateryan: Great to see strong fan turnout & industry enthusiasm for the return to Rockingham today. A very good day for #nascar and the Truck Series.
@Elliott_Sadler: Very jealous watching Truck race on @SPEED .. Love how fall off creates different grooves that creates great racing.. #wanttoberacing
@jim_utter: Sign in front of church on US 1 today: "Pre-race service at 8:45 a.m. and then to the track"
@dennyhamlin: Come on @mw55. You wouldn't race a truck that I built? I promise the spoiler will at least stay attached #daytonawinner
@joeylogano: Watching from the starting line earlier http://t.co/qtSfmosI
@Matt_Crafton: I sure hope we come back RT @Andy__Rock: Thanks to everyone that believed in @RockinghamSpeed Let the good times roll. #filltherockpart2 :)
@JimmieJohnson: I'm glad that black cloud stopped following you @kaseykahne, awesome weekend of racing.
@2Spotter (Joey Meier): There are. Mostly Moms or Wives. All are welcome. RT @Only1Rooh: are there any female spotters? If no Why not? Just curious #birdseyeview
@nascarcasm: Sometimes you see John Force interviewed, and you swear it's Gary Busey in a Castrol firesuit. #nhra
@ClintBowyer: Soooo! This is what it feels like to sit around on a Sunday and be a Motorsports fan? Pretty cool...
@ClintBowyer: It's probably a good thing this doesn't happen often for me, I'd own stock in Kroger and Budweiser! Horsepower Sunday hard on a guy.
@NelsonPiquet: Getting Kansas truck ready! Gonna be even quicker than the Rockingham truck! http://t.co/byDJzE1c
@KevinHarvick: In my closet to pack some clothes for white house visit tomorrow & I thought to myself: I wonder if shorts, T-Shirt, and flip flops will work?
@pkligerman (Parker Kligerman): Just passed the Daytona 500 Camry pace car.... What is going on fellow #Nascar friend?
@Andy__Rock (Andy Hillenburg): Time to call it a day :) Still riding in the clouds. Lol. Gotta think of how to get more trash bags in morning
@AJDinger (AJ Allmendinger): Just landed in Dover. Looking forward to a two-day tire test. Good chance to try some different things and keep learning.
@JimmieJohnson: Whoever thinks I had a problem with @RyanNewman39 in Martinsville is an idiot...
@ClintBowyer: The worst part about having a good night... Waking up the next day and seeing that @55MarkMartin was in the gym 2 hrs after u went to bed.
@bobpockrass: USA show "Burn Notice" taped an episode Monday at the track. Will air this summer. #nascar
@keselowski: On our way to see the POTUS with the NASCAR team today.
@JimmieJohnson: Can someone please teach this man how to tie a tie. #FunnyStuff http://pic.twitter.com/er8yzN4E
@KevinHarvick: Had a good morning of testing and now we are headed to the White House for the afternoon.
@JimmieJohnson: @keselowski: Thanks for bringing the chocolate shakes.
@keselowski: @JimmieJohnson no problem. Between the three of us, there were 5 NASCAR Sprint Cup championships on that plane... #ShakeWorthy
@DNewtonESPN (David Newton): My memory of last year's #NASCAR White House trip was @Jeff_Gluck did interviews in forbidden area and cab driver charged my AMEX $12,241..
@keselowski: Getting closer to the white house http://t.co/27lfbiTW
@keselowski: East wing. White house #nascar http://t.co/CwATTCPg
@keselowski: Setting up for the ceremony. #NASCAR http://t.co/0wgEukW4
@Samantha_Busch: Fun fact! Each room in the @whitehouse has fresh cut flowers in it. Beautiful! http://t.co/E9hr6CxH
@jeff_gluck: Ha! President Obama just asked Tony Stewart for tips on how to handle the media. That's great.
@JimmieJohnson: What an honor and congrats again Smoke http://t.co/dlAz4oG5
@KurtBusch: The Buschs at the White House. @Samantha_Busch @KyleBusch @Patricia_AFF http://t.co/4zRfYmkn
@KevinHarvick: Only original painting left from the original White House before it burned down! http://t.co/0Bjq4M2M
@KevinHarvick: You probably remember many of the Presidents' speeches from here! http://t.co/2t8EOfIX
Summer Dreyer is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. She can be reached via email at summer.dreyer@frontstretch.com.
~~~~~~~~~~
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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
~~~~~~~~~~
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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
Did You Notice?... The Mark Martin Effect, A Quiet Ending And The Danger of NASCAR Hype
by Tom Bowles
Mirror Driving: Lifeless Laps at Texas, RCR's Struggles And Revisiting Rockingham
by the Frontstretch Staff
The Mystery of Kyle Busch's Silent Season ... So Far
by Garrett Horton
Beyond the Cockpit: Joey Coulter Tackles The Rock's Return, Off Weeks and Dirt
by Mike Neff
NASCAR Sprint Cup Power Rankings: Top 15 After Texas
compiled by Summer Dreyer
Top Ten Things To Be Said For The Race At Texas
by Jeff Meyer
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: Prior to the construction of Kansas Speedway, the Truck Series used to race on the road course at Heartland Park Topeka, roughly 70 miles away. In the 1995 race, Kerry Teague suffered injuries in a crash that effectively ended his career. What happened?
Check back Thursday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Tuesday's Answer:
Tuesday's Answer:
Q: When Kansas Speedway first opened, back in 2001, it was effectively in the middle of nowhere. Now, there is the Hollywood Casino that overlooks Turn 2 and nearby is a brand new stadium that opened last year. What is it called and who plays there?
A: The new stadium located near Kansas Speedway is known as Livestrong Sporting Park. Opened just last year, the stadium serves as the home for Sporting Kansas City (formerly the Kansas City Wiz and then the Kansas City Wizards) of the MLS. They moved into the new stadium after spending over a decade at Arrowhead Stadium, then three years in a temporary setup at CommunityAmerica Ballpark.
Frontstretch Trivia Guarantee: If we mess up, you get the shirt off our backs! If we've provided an incorrect answer to the Frontstretch Trivia question, be the first to email the corrected trivia answer to trivia@frontstretch.com and we'll send you a Frontstretch T-Shirt ... FREE!
~~~~~~~~~~
Coming tomorrow in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Top News from Phil Allaway
-- What's Vexing Vito by Vito Pugliese
-- Critic's Annex by Phil Allaway
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, the Line of the Week and more!
~~~~~~~~~~
Tomorrow on the Frontstretch:
MPM2Nite by Matt McLaughlin
Matt McLaughlin is back again this season with his usual sarcastic sense of humor ... and incomparable insight. This time, Matt takes a look at the NASCAR Hall of Fame eligibility requirement that says a driver must have been active for ten years in the sport.
Potts' Shots by John Potts
Fanning the Flames has become Potts' Shots, and John Potts is here to answer your questions in our weekly Fan Q & A. Do you have something you'd like to ask John? Don't sit on the sidelines! Send it to john.potts@frontstretch.com and you just may see your question in print next week!.
Professor Of Speed by Mark Howell
Our professor of racing history "has at it" with another column pertinent to the sport at large. This week, Mark looks back to his trip to Boston for a conference and the racing-related experiences both he and his family had.
Dollars and Sense by Jesse Medford
The newest addition to the Frontstretch family will take a look at the business side of NASCAR.
Truckin' Thursdays by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth is back this year on a new night, but it's the same great commentary you've come to enjoy!
Frontstretch Trivia Guarantee: If we mess up, you get the shirt off our backs! If we've provided an incorrect answer to the Frontstretch Trivia question, be the first to email the corrected trivia answer to trivia@frontstretch.com and we'll send you a Frontstretch T-Shirt ... FREE!
~~~~~~~~~~
Coming tomorrow in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Top News from Phil Allaway
-- What's Vexing Vito by Vito Pugliese
-- Critic's Annex by Phil Allaway
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, the Line of the Week and more!
~~~~~~~~~~
Tomorrow on the Frontstretch:
MPM2Nite by Matt McLaughlin
Matt McLaughlin is back again this season with his usual sarcastic sense of humor ... and incomparable insight. This time, Matt takes a look at the NASCAR Hall of Fame eligibility requirement that says a driver must have been active for ten years in the sport.
Potts' Shots by John Potts
Fanning the Flames has become Potts' Shots, and John Potts is here to answer your questions in our weekly Fan Q & A. Do you have something you'd like to ask John? Don't sit on the sidelines! Send it to john.potts@frontstretch.com and you just may see your question in print next week!.
Professor Of Speed by Mark Howell
Our professor of racing history "has at it" with another column pertinent to the sport at large. This week, Mark looks back to his trip to Boston for a conference and the racing-related experiences both he and his family had.
Dollars and Sense by Jesse Medford
The newest addition to the Frontstretch family will take a look at the business side of NASCAR.
Truckin' Thursdays by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth is back this year on a new night, but it's the same great commentary you've come to enjoy!
-----------------------------
Talk back to the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Got something to say about an article you've seen in the newsletter? It's as easy as replying directly to this message or sending an email to editors@frontstretch.com. We'll take the best comments and publish them here!
©2012 Frontstretch.com
Talk back to the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Got something to say about an article you've seen in the newsletter? It's as easy as replying directly to this message or sending an email to editors@frontstretch.com. We'll take the best comments and publish them here!
©2012 Frontstretch.com
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